Graphic Design History [Paperback]

Georgette Ballance (Author), Steven Heller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001

Covering the history of the industry from its birth at the turn of the twentieth century to its place in the new millennium, Graphic Design History is the only reference that assembles long-lost essays defining the history and spirit of the graphic designer into one fascinating resource. In this groundbreaking anthology, nearly 30 legendary writers explore and characterize the unique developments, notable people, and memorable events that shaped the world of graphic design. Taken in many cases from hard-to-find sources, these essays provide a unique scope and array of provocative viewpoints that are not found anywhere else. Readers will be taken on a fascinating journey through the trends that shaped the industry for the past 100-plus years, written by the people who helped define it.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In its relatively short history, graphic design has incessantly suffered problems of identity: Is it art or craft, science or communication? While the question may be unanswerable, this collection of previously published essays by some of the leading writers and historians in graphic design helps to define the historic role of graphic design in our culture. While not comprehensive (little attention is given to the role of the illustrator, for instance), the essays nevertheless span an impressive range of multinational topics that examine both the theory and the practice of graphic design. Special attention is lavished on the pioneers and groundbreaking designers who paved the way for modern graphic design. Editors Heller (art director of the New York Times Book Review) and Ballance (graphic design history, Cooper Union, New York) contribute essays, as do Victor Margolin, Ellen Lupton, and others. A worthy accompaniment to Philip B. Meggs's A History of Graphic Design (Wiley, 1998), a single-author volume that discusses design in a chronological context, this collection is recommended for academic libraries, particularly those that support graphic arts programs. Kraig Binkowski, Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"From the pages of design magazines, a selection of forty eminently readable short essays on key designers, publications, and issues." -- Photography in New York

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150946
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150940
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another from Heller, September 23, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Graphic Design History (Paperback)

Steven Heller, is at the helm of yet another book. He has editied this volume of contributions, which contains many interesting takes and stories on Design History. You will find this book of value if you did not sleep during your history classes, and if you enjoy exploring in depth, the topics and people mentioned in the various articles.